WHITTINGHAM: SURVIVAL WOULD BE GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT

Peter Whittingham says Barclays Premier League survival for the Bluebirds this season would surpass any of his previous achievements in his seven years at the club.

A first team regular once-again at the heart of the City midfield, the former England Under-21 international is set to continue to as an integral part of City’s final three games, eager to build on last weekend’s goal from the penalty spot to earn a hard fought point with Stoke.

Speaking to the assembled press on Friday morning ahead of their trip to Stadium of Light, the former FA Cup, League Cup and play-off finalist emphasised the enormity of staying in the top flight this season, saying: “It'd be huge. Probably the greatest achievement since I've been here. If we get three points on Sunday, we'll start to think about it.

“Sunday is probably one alongside the cup finals and play-offs I've been involved in; it's right up there with those sorts of games. It's always going to be when you know it's a game that you have to win.

“It'll be a big game, the atmosphere will be brilliant and I know the Cardiff fans travelling up will contribute to that. We take that into account, we're going for the three points.

“Everyone is raring to go. We all know what the job in hand is and what is required from us. It's now something we have to go and do. We can't wait for Sunday.”

Going into the final three games of the season as one of eight teams still realistically battling against relegation, City travel to the northeast on Sunday to take on close rivals Sunderland with the victors case for another season in the top flight sure to be enhanced.

It’s a matter that won’t be lost on either team at Stadium of Light ahead of the midday kick-off, with Whittingham looking to take the fight to the sides immediately above the Bluebirds with three crucial points.

“Two wins out of three would be huge for us,” said a confident Whitts. “I think every team is still in it. Any team that isn't mathematically out of it, they'll always be looking over their shoulder.

“It makes Sunday's result all the more important. If we can pick up three points, we can make some of those teams above us worry that they could still be in a dangerous position. If everyone wants to talk about Sunderland that's fine, we can go under the radar and do what we do. It's going to be tough, but it's one we'll be relishing.

“We know it's a must win. At the end of the day we have to pick up three points now, it's all well and good picking up the odd point here or there, we need to win now and it's something we will strive to go and do.”